Page 21 of (UN)Bounded

“Okay, Isa. Where to next?” Gio asks as he drives leisurely around Bologna.

“You know what? Let’s do something crazy. Let’s go to the beach,” I tell him, barely able to contain my excitement.

“Let’s go,” Gio says as he looks for directions on his phone. I’m so glad to see my brother taking life as it comes—no plans, just doing whatever the moment brings.

We made it to Rimini in no time, and since Gio was driving, I was in charge of the music. To my brother’s dismay, I had my summer mix on. A bunch of my favorite songs to dance to were on full blast the entire drive. Believe it or not, he’s more of a country music fan.

The moment I see the ocean, a huge grin appears on my face. There’s no way I’ll ever be close to the water and unhappy. For some reason, the ocean has always brought me peace.

I remember summers in Mar del Plata. Mom would pack the car with food and tons of beach gear—towels, coolers, umbrellas, sunscreen, toys, you name it. Then Dad would drive, and Mom would be the DJ, with Gio, Luca, and me in the backseat singing our lungs out. We would always stay at the same beach house. The boys and I would get bikes and ride to the ice cream shop a few blocks away. We would park the bikes and walk to the beach, eating our ice cream in silence, people-watching, and watching the seagulls fly over the ocean. It was peaceful and one of my happiest memories.

Gio finds a place to park, and the moment I get out of the car, I think my brain is playing tricks on me. Gabo is walking toward us, and he’s looking like a snack, wearing low-hanging linen pants and a half-buttoned shirt.

“I thought you were in Ibiza,” I say in shock when he’s a foot away from me.

“Yeah, well. Vicente had to go back to London, so I decided to spend the rest of my weekend at my beach house,” he says as he leans down and kisses me on both cheeks. When I get a whiff of his cologne, my knees go weak. Damn, this man is just delicious.

“Hey, man. So glad I was able to catch you before I have to head back,” Gio says as he and Gabo share a bro hug.

“Same, man. I didn’t know you guys were coming here, but I’m glad everything worked out,” Gabo replies as we fall in step with each other and start walking toward the beach.

“So you guys didn’t plan this?” I ask, confused. This is way too coincidental. They both shake their heads, and I frown.

“Me being here and you guys coming my way was just kismet, Bella. No need to overthink it,” Gabo says nonchalantly, even though something inside me says there’s no way. I have no proof otherwise. My suspicions deepen when I catch a sly look between Gio and Gabo, but they won’t say a thing, so I just let it slide.

“So, what were you guys thinking of doing?” Gabo asks, and Gio looks at me.

“It was my idea to come. I just thought we would walk around the wharf and maybe find a shop to get swimsuits and spend the day on the beach.” I shrug, suddenly feeling my plan is lame, but the smile that appears on Gabo’s face is anything but.

“I know you guys are spending quality sibling time, but maybe we can walk to one of my favorite restaurants in town. Then we can get some gelato as we go shopping, and we can spend the afternoon at my beach house. The views are unbeatable from there.”

Gio looks at me, waiting for me to decide. Even though I wasn’t counting on spending more time than necessary with Gabo, I can’t help but agree with his plan. The man has charm. Not going to lie.

“Sounds like fun,” I tell them, and Gio nods in agreement.

“Great! This way.” Gabo extends his arm to show us which way to go.

“Is it your first time in Italy, Gio?” Gabo asks, and my brother’s face falls.

After a couple of very uncomfortable, quiet minutes, Gio speaks. “Yes, it was Ruin’s dream to visit Italy someday. We were planning to come over and do a road trip all over the country but...” My brother shrugs, and I absolutely hate this for him.

“And you still came to see me? I’m so sorry, Gio,” I say, giving him a side hug as we continue to walk.

Being the amazing brother he is, he ruffles my hair as he says, “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, little sis. Plus, it’s been four years. It’s time I get my life back.” Gabo and I stop in our tracks like a hammer or something has hit us.

“Dude, that’s great. I mean, it’s awful you were never able to find out what happened, but I’m glad to hear you’re ready to leave the past behind you. You’re a bright scientist, and you deserve to be happy,” Gabo says to Gio, and I really, really appreciate him right now. This is what my brother needs: lots of support and understanding from his friends.

“I agree. I’m happy you’re finally starting to leave the past behind.” I give Gio one more squeeze and let him go to focus on the beautiful view in front of me. There’s a Ferris wheel by the pier, people milling around, eating gelato, or with a huge sandwich in hand. Some people are on bikes or skates; others are singing and dancing. The vibe of this city is amazing. The pictures I saw online don't do it justice.

“Gabo Godoy, is that you?” A saccharine voice brings me out of my thoughts. The next thing I know, a woman is hanging on Gabo’s arm. When I look at Gio, his face full of amusement says it all.

“Oh, hey, Brenda. Long time no see,” Gabo says to the woman while trying to remove the vice grip she has on his arm, but she’s not getting the message.

“Well, baby, that’s on you. I’ve been trying to reach out, but you never pick up the phone.”

Gabo’s nervous chuckle should be all it takes for her to let go, but no. She hasn’t even acknowledged our presence.

“Yeah, well, I’m a busy man. What can I say?”

---